Breton shirts

The Origins of the Saint James Women's Breton Shirt

The Breton shirt boasts over a century and a half of history, proudly retaining its iconic horizontal stripes. Its destiny changed in 1858 when a military decree made it an official part of the French National Navy uniform. At the time, it was worn alongside fall-front trousers, a white shirt with a blue collar, a red pom-pom hat, and the woollen peacoat—a piece that has since become a legend in its own right.

The original Breton shirt followed a strict set of technical specifications designed for the needs of sailors. The number of stripes and their dimensions were rigorously regulated:

• 21 white stripes (20mm wide) and 20 to 21 blue stripes (10mm wide) on the body.

• 15 white stripes and 14 to 15 blue stripes on the sleeves.

The sleeves had to be short enough not to peek out from under the sailor’s smock, while the high neckline sat flush against the neck to provide effective protection from the sea spray and wind. A functional garment turned icon, the Breton shirt has transcended eras without ever losing its authenticity.

The Saint James Stripes: A True Signature

Today, stripes remain the heart of our Breton shirts, now following the brand’s own unique specifications: a stripe rhythm of 16mm / 8mm, which serves as the SAINT JAMES signature. These stripes are now available in an array of colours.

Their symbolism has evolved significantly. While striped clothing was originally reserved for outcasts and prisoners, its adoption by the Navy helped rehabilitate its image. Yet, the true reason why sailors adopted stripes remains a mystery.

Some say the contrasting blue and white stripes made it easier to spot a man who had fallen overboard. Others claim the 21 stripes symbolised Napoleon’s victories. A more practical theory suggests that since indigo was expensive, Breton shirts were made with alternating white stripes to save on dye, or that the blue was introduced to hide stains on the white fabric.

Regardless of its origins, the style was gradually adopted by fishermen and yachting enthusiasts before capturing the hearts of legendary designers like Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Karl Lagerfeld, all of whom reimagined the Breton shirt on the world’s most prestigious runways.

The Secrets Behind SAINT JAMES Women's Breton Shirts

Our women’s Breton shirts are crafted to the highest standards, thanks to the meticulous skill of our seamstresses. The iconic "Naval" Breton shirt for women requires no less than 4.4km of cotton thread, sourced from 104 cotton flowers. From the initial knitting to the finished garment, it takes five days of work to create this model, featuring 16 blue stripes on the body and 13 on the sleeves.

Eleven production stages are necessary, including cutting the cotton panels, assembling the pieces, stitching, overlocking, and the final placement of the labels and logo. Every women's Breton shirt then undergoes rigorous quality control before being pressed, packaged, and shipped to our customers and boutiques worldwide.

How to Style Your Women's Breton Shirt

The Breton shirt is the quintessential piece for a "casual chic" look, perfect for both the office and the weekend. It pairs effortlessly with any wardrobe staple, from jeans and trainers to skirts and elegant pumps.

For a modern silhouette, tuck your SAINT JAMES Breton shirt into boyfriend jeans and layer with a blazer to highlight the waist. It serves as a sophisticated alternative to a white shirt under a trouser suit or can be paired with flowing trousers and high heels for a more formal occasion.

For a look that is both vintage and contemporary, wear your Breton shirt with a skater skirt or tucked under denim dungarees. Currently, the trend is all about mixing prints: for a high-character outfit, don't be afraid to pair your stripes with the floral or graphic patterns of a jacket or skirt.